Sydney Bondi Beach Terror Attack: Father-Son Duo Inspired by Islamic State Ideology Kill 15 in Targeted Antisemitic Assault

Sydney, Australia – December 16, 2025 – In Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, a father and son opened fire on a crowded Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, killing 15 people and injuring more than 40 others. Authorities have declared the incident a terrorist attack motivated by Islamic State (IS) ideology and antisemitism.

The attackers were identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram, who was fatally shot by police at the scene, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, an Australian citizen who was critically injured, placed in a coma, and later regained consciousness under police guard in hospital. Charges are expected against Naveed as the investigation continues.

Details of the Attack

The shooting unfolded around 6:45 p.m. local time during “Chanukah by the Sea,” an annual public event organized by Chabad of Bondi in Archer Park, attended by nearly 1,000 people, including families celebrating the first night of Hanukkah.

The duo arrived in a silver hatchback, positioned themselves on an elevated pedestrian bridge overlooking the park, and fired indiscriminately with high-powered rifles for several minutes. Witnesses described chaos as crowds fled, initially mistaking gunfire for fireworks.

Homemade Islamic State flags and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered from the attackers’ vehicle. Multiple firearms were seized, some legally registered to Sajid Akram under a recreational hunting license, which allowed him to own six weapons.

Heroic intervention by a bystander, 43-year-old Ahmed al-Ahmed, who disarmed one gunman despite being shot twice, is credited with potentially saving lives. A GoFundMe for him has raised over A$1 million.

Victims included a 10-year-old girl named Matilda, British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger (a Chabad organizer), a Holocaust survivor, a retired police officer, a French national, and an Israeli citizen. Ages ranged from 10 to 87.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned it as “an act of pure evil, antisemitism, and terrorism,” pledging stricter national gun laws, including limits on ownership and citizenship requirements for licenses.

Background of the Attackers

Sajid Akram, originally from Hyderabad, India, migrated to Australia in November 1998 after completing a B.Com degree, initially on a student visa. He retained Indian citizenship and passport, married a woman of European origin, and settled permanently. The couple had two Australian-born children: Naveed and a daughter.

Telangana Police in India issued a statement confirming Sajid’s origins, noting limited family contact over 27 years. He visited India six times for property and family matters but not for his father’s funeral. Relatives denied knowledge of any radical views, and police stated no adverse records against him prior to 1998. “The factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana.”

Naveed, a bricklayer, had been investigated by Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) in 2019 over associations with a Sydney-based IS cell but was not deemed an ongoing threat.

The pair traveled to the Philippines in November 2025—Sajid on his Indian passport, Naveed on Australian—returning shortly before the attack. Authorities are probing potential training links.

International and Domestic Response

Vigils across Australia drew thousands, with memorials at Bondi Pavilion. World leaders, including from Israel, India, France, and the UK, expressed condolences. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi denounced the violence.

The attack has heightened concerns over rising antisemitism in Australia amid global tensions. National cabinet agreed to firearm reforms, and security was bolstered at Jewish sites.

Investigations continue into potential broader networks, with police urging against speculation.

World Report Press